Since I don’t shoot digitally for the most part, I decided against narrowing down the types of film I use for the most part. Hence, I am always looking out for new film types to experiment with. Here is a list of the film types I experiment with on a frequent basis:

1. Fuji Superia – ISO 200 and 400

Cheap, quaint and effective, this is my favorite staple film. Since it is harder to find the 100 speed in this product range, I shoot with 200 and 400 mostly, based on the lighting conditions. Yes, it may not be professional, but when you play like I do, you will love it.

2. Kodak Ektar 100

When Kodak discontinued their “Ultra Color” film, I was a little disappointed. But the much awaited Ektar 100 has proven to be an excellent grade of film. In a very small amount of time, I have become a big fan of this grade of film, and if you still shoot film, I suggest you play with this if you haven’t done so far.

3. Kodak BW400CN

While Kodak likes to call this professional, I am not so sure. Yet, I like this film for certain conditions, especially when there is low sunlight but high visibility due to fog and such, as seen in the Pacific Coast of Northern California where I have seen some really great results from this type of film. If you shoot in heavy daylight at higher elevations though, you might be disappointed (or pleasantly surprised with some weird results).

4. Fuji Sensia 100 & 400 and other slide film

I have been playing with the sensia slide film and I have liked the results though my local vendor has discontinued it, considering it to be inferior. Go figure. Yet, I have mostly loved on, playing with Provia, Velvia and other 35mm slide film.

5. Black and White Films

Kodak, I guess makes the best black and white film. You may disagree with me, but I routinely find myself shooting with Tri-X 400 and both the 100 and 400 speeds of the TMAX film. I have played with many other types of black and white film through my classes and dark room travails, but I do keep coming back to these for their superior consistency.

Of course, I experiment with a lot of other types of films and expired films. Do watch this space for more information on films as I detail them over time.